Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is Internet Buttons?
  2. What if the person I'm helping hasn't got their own computer connected to the internet?
  3. What if the person I'm helping doesn't have basic computer skills (eg they haven't use a keyboard or a mouse before)?
  4. What Buttons should I pick?
  5. What is the Call-Me-When-You-Get-Stuck Hotline?
  6. How do I save the page of Internet Buttons?
  7. How do I find the Buttons I set up?
  8. What if I have forgotten my password?
  9. Can I see my Buttons without logging in?
  10. How do I edit or add to the Buttons?
  11. Can I set Internet Buttons up for myself?
  12. How do I find out more?
  13. Who made Internet Buttons?
  14. Why was Internet Buttons made?
  15. How is Internet Buttons funded?
  16. Got any other questions, comments or thoughts?

1. What is Internet Buttons?

Internet Buttons is a web tool anyone can use to simplify the Internet for someone they know.

At internetbuttons.org you set up a personalised page of buttons for someone new to or nervous about the net.

The buttons click through to their favourite sites or services. They are saved on their own URL that can be accessed from any computer.

It removes all the complicated bits of the Internet and makes it easy to keep going back to the places you want to go to.

There are also loads of helper bars, tips and advice on the site to explain everything.

2. What if the person I'm helping hasn't got their own computer connected to the internet?

They could:

  1. Use yours (if you have one).
  2. Use one at a UK online centre. Find their nearest one at ukonlinecentres.com
  3. Buy a computer.
  4. Get their existing computer connected to the Internet.

3. What if the person I'm helping doesn't have basic computer skills (eg they haven't use a keyboard or a mouse before)?

No problem, but they will need to know how to use a keyboard and mouse before they start using Internet Buttons. To do this they could:

  1. Learn from you.
  2. Do online tutorials. Go to onlinebasics.co.uk
  3. Do a course. There are basic computer skills classes at UK online centres. Find their nearest one at ukonlinecentres.com

4. What Buttons should I pick?

Think about what areas of their life could be speeded up, made easier or cost them less if they did it online. They might find sites to do shopping, banking, booking flights, renting films, finding train tickets or the weather forecast useful.

You can also think about what they're interested in and enjoy doing and find Buttons that match up with these. So if they are a keen football fan give them Buttons to get the scores and match commentary, or if they're into cooking give them Buttons to recipe sites.

You can either create your own Buttons or pick from one of the ready-made ones.

Start simple. If they are a complete beginner you could even give them just one Button to begin with. If they are more confident you can fill up their page of Buttons.

Alternatively the person you're helping can do our quick quiz and a page of Buttons will be automatically generated based on their hobbies and interests. You can edit or add to these buttons afterwards.

5. What is the Call-Me-When-You-Get-Stuck Hotline?

If you're setting someone up with Internet Buttons, on the bottom of their page of buttons you can add your photo and a message that reminds that they can always ring you if they have a question or problem.

6. How do I save the page of Internet Buttons?

Click Save. Both you and the person you're setting up Internet Buttons for will have a login, so you can both edit the page in the future. You will first be asked to set up YOUR login details, and then THEIR login details.

7. How do I find the Buttons I set up?

When you are saving your Internet Buttons you will have to pick a  URL and password. Just type this in from any computer and you can access your personalised Buttons, eg www.interentbuttons.org/johnflower.

You may want to make this your home page.

If you have ticked "Remember your password on this computer" when you login in, your Buttons address and password will be remembered. You only need to go to internetbuttons.org to see your buttons.

8 .What if I have forgotten my password?

If you provided an email address when you initially saved your buttons, you can have your password sent to you. Simply click "forgot your password" from the login page. If you never provided an email address, please contact us at help@internetbuttons.org with your telephone number and we will try to help. We will ask you some security questions.

9. Can I see my Buttons without logging in?

At the moment, no, as we want your Buttons to be completely secure. We may introduce this option in the future specifically for people who want it.

10. How do I edit or add to the Buttons?

Both you and the person you're helping can edit the page of buttons. Click on "edit buttons" to do this. If the person you're helping is confident enough you can show them how to add and delete buttons. Otherwise tell them to call you if they want to add more, and you can log in and do it.

11. Can I set Internet Buttons up for myself?

You can. Just click "Set up for me" on the homepage.

12. How do I find out more?

For ideas, tips and help with your buttons have a look at our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages. When you are signing up be sure to sign up to our newsletter.

13. Who made Internet Buttons?

It was created by the not-for-profit company We Are What We Do, who create products, tools and experiences that aim to affect major social or environmental issues.

14. Why was Internet Buttons made?

Internet Buttons is part of We Are What We Do's inter-generational work which aims to get people from different generations talking more, sharing more and coming together more often. At the moment, the digital divide seriously affects this inter-generational exchange: 6.4 million people over 65 in the UK alone are offline, yet 90% of communication between 11-18 years olds is digital.

Internet Buttons sets out to make a major contribution to digital inclusion. Our partners in the UK, the Nominet Trust and UK Online Centres, share this aim.

15. How is Internet Buttons funded?

The development of Internet Buttons was funded by the Nominet Trust with additional support from UK Onlines centres. It is run and managed by We Are What We Do.

16. Got any other questions, comments or thoughts?

Email hello@internetbuttons.org We'd love to hear from you.